Chicago used to insure itself. Now it carries an “excessive liability” policy to cover awards over $15 million. Daley also started a claims unit, so people could be reimbursed for accidents caused by the city. That way, Daley reasons, the city doesn’t have to spend money on lawyers. He thinks there’s enough of that already. Chicago paid outside lawyers $10.4 million in 2002 to fight its battles, nearly double the amount spent in 1998. Daley says it’s the astronomical awards that can cripple a city. In one suit against Chicago, jurors awarded $50 million–10 times what the family had sought. A judge reduced it to $1 million.

Despite his complaining, Daley recognizes lawsuits can be a force for good–and doesn’t hesitate to order them up if he thinks the city’s interests will be served. Chicago has taken gun makers to court, charging that they are responsible for some of the mayhem their products cause. The city has also sued makers of lead paint, arguing that poor children have long been poisoned by contaminants in their homes. This year the city started suing people who harm its property. If somebody knocks down a street sign, or attacks an officer, he will be hit with a civil suit. “You cause damages, you pay for it,” says Daley. “Sometimes hitting somebody in the pocketbook gets the point across better. You’ve got to hit ’ em where it hurts.” Daley has his critics, but nobody’s ever called him a patsy. He seems to be making a point with a sue-happy public: if that’s the way the game is going to be played, then bring it on.